AT Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Ordinary July meeting, held at the Laurieton United Services Club, councillors once again delved into the upcoming constitutional referendum slated for the September 2024 Local Government election.

The key question posed to the community will be: “Do you favour a reduction in the number of Port Macquarie-Hastings Councillors from nine to seven, comprising the Mayor and six Councillors?”

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Councillor (Cr) Rachel Sheppard moved a motion, seconded by Cr Lauren Edwards, to ensure the community receives comprehensive information about the September referendum on reducing councillor numbers.

Cr Sheppard emphasised the importance of informed community discussion.

“The biggest reason this is so important is because if it is decided to reduce councillor numbers from nine to seven, this comes at the end of a term where a pattern of decisions have been made essentially centralising power,” she said.

Cr Sheppard pointed out that councillors Pinson, Roberts, Maltman, and Slade have often voted in blocks, with major decisions frequently decided by the Mayor’s casting vote.

Of note, the decision to hold this referendum was passed with the Mayor’s casting vote.

She further highlighted specific decisions resulting from this voting pattern, including the disbanding of community subcommittees and steering groups without review, the termination of councillor portfolios, and the disregard for community feedback on critical issues such as the rate freeze.

Cr Sheppard expressed concern that important strategy documents were not sent for public exhibition because opposition councillors believed community feedback would not influence the final decision.

The motion to provide supporting information to the community was carried unanimously.

The NSW Electoral Commission will conduct elections for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on Saturday, 14 September 2024.

In addition to electing councillors, the community will vote in a mayoral election and participate in a constitutional referendum on reducing councillor numbers.

This referendum is poised to shape the future governance of the region, making it a critical issue for local residents.

By Emily GRAHAM